In Episode 23, we’re joined by two incredible creators behind the bilingual picture book Kindness Glows in the Dark / La bondad brilla en la oscuridad—author Gama Valle and illustrator Mrinali Álvarez Astacio.

Gama Valle is a Puerto Rican children’s author whose storytelling is inspired by his childhood, nature, and the spirit of generosity he experienced growing up. His work shines a light on Puerto Rico’s culture, communities, and the power ofkindness.

Mrinali Álvarez Astacio is an award-winning Puerto Rican author-illustrator with over 15 years of experience creating children’s books. With a PhD in children’s book illustration, her work blends art, culture, and imagination—inviting youngreaders to dream while exploring their heritage.

Together, they’ve created a heartfelt bilingual story that explores friendship, compassion, and important social themes like food insecurity—presented in a way that is accessible and hopeful for young readers.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or lover of children’s literature, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Listen now and join us in celebrating bilingual books and the creators behind them!

#BilingualBooks#ChildrensBooks #LatinxAuthors #PictureBooks #BilingualBookBuddies #KidLit#RepresentationMatters

Contact the guests:

Gama Valle

Instagram: @gamavalle

Threads: @gamavalle

Mrinali Alvarez Astacio

Instagram: @mrinalipr

X: @mrinalipr

Meet Your Hosts:

Alicia Salazar – Mexican American children’s author andformer elementary school teacher. Author of the Camila the Star series, Aliciacrafts stories that empower young readers.

Website: alicia-salazar.com

Facebook: AliciaSalazar Author

Instagram: @albricias123

Claudia Sloan – Mexican American artist, author, andillustrator known for her whimsical children’s books like Grey Ghost Mischiefand We Are The Valley!. Claudia’s work celebrates Latinx culture and wellness.

Website: claudia-sloan.com

Instagram: @claudia.sloan

Silvia López – Cuban American author and former children’slibrarian. Silvia’s books, including Uno Más, One More: A Latino Retelling ofan Old Scottish Ballad, and Queen of Tejano Music: Selena, highlight culturalheritage and diversity.

Website: silvialopezbooks.com

Instagram: @silvialopezbooks

Facebook: Silvia.Lopez.Writes

About Bilingual Book Buddies:

Bilingual Book Buddies is a podcast dedicated tocelebrating bilingual children’s literature. Each episode featuresconversations with authors, illustrators, and many others involved in bringingbilingual books to life.

Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell tostay updated on future episodes!

In this heartwarming episode of Bilingual Book Buddies, hosts Claudia Sloan and Silvia Lopez turn the spotlighton their very own co-host, Alicia Salazar, for a joyful and meaningful conversation about her upcoming picture book, Cascarones: An Easter Surprise.

Together, they explore the cultural tradition of cascarones, the inspiration behind the story, and how celebration, family, and surprise come together in this festive Easter tale.

Alicia shares the heart behind the book, her writing journey, and why stories rooted in culture matter so deeply for young readers.

This episode is filled with warmth, laughter, and a beautiful reminder of how stories can connect us—across languages, generations, and traditions.

Perfect for parents, teachers, and anyone who loves children’s books with heart and meaning.

Listen, celebrate, and get ready for Easter with us!
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with yourfavorite children’s book creators.

#BilingualBookBuddies #Cascarones #EasterBooks#ChildrensBooks #LatinxStories #DualLanguageBooks #PictureBooks#AuthorInterview

Meet Your Hosts:

Alicia Salazar – Mexican American children’s author andformer elementary school teacher. Author of the Camila the Star series, Alicia crafts stories that empower young readers.

Website: alicia-salazar.com

Facebook: AliciaSalazar Author

Instagram: @albricias123

Claudia Sloan – Mexican American artist, author, andillustrator known for her whimsical children’s books like Grey Ghost Mischief and We Are The Valley!. Claudia’s work celebrates Latinx culture and wellness.

Website: claudia-sloan.com

Instagram: @claudia.sloan

Silvia López – Cuban American author and former children’slibrarian. Silvia’s books, including Uno Más, One More: A Latino Retelling of an Old Scottish Ballad, and Queen of Tejano Music: Selena, highlight cultural heritage and diversity.

Website: silvialopezbooks.com

Instagram: @silvialopezbooks

Facebook: Silvia.Lopez.Writes

About Bilingual Book Buddies:

Bilingual Book Buddies is a podcast dedicated tocelebrating bilingual children’s literature. Each episode featuresconversations with authors, illustrators, and many others involved in bringing bilingual books to life.

Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell tostay updated on future episodes!

Episode 22 of Bilingual Book Buddies is here!

In this episode, we sit down with author Karol Hernández to talk about her vibrant debut picture book, I Am La Chiva!: The Colorful Bus of the Andes—a joyful celebration of community, culture, and connection.

Karol shares how her childhood in Colombia, memories of her family’s market, and a sweet moment with her son during the pandemic inspired this story. What began as a story just for him became a beautiful book that now invites children everywhere to experience the rhythm, color, and heart of the Andes.

We also talk about:

Writing from memory and cultural roots

Bringing authentic Latin American experiences to young readers

The real-life inspiration behind the iconic “chiva” bus

The power of storytelling to build connection and belonging

This is a conversation full of warmth, heritage, and the magic of stories that travel across languages and generations.

Tune in and take a ride on La Chiva with us!

#BilingualBookBuddies #ChildrensBooks #LatinxAuthors #PictureBooks #DualLanguage #KidLit #IAmLaChiva

Connect with Karol Hernandez:

Instagram: @karolitadotcom

Facebook: KarolitaDotCom

X (Twitter): ⁨@karolitadotcom⁩

Meet Your Hosts:

Alicia Salazar –

Mexican American children’s author and former elementary school teacher. Author of the Camila the Star series, Alicia crafts stories that empower young readers.

Website: alicia-salazar.com

Facebook: Alicia Salazar Author

Instagram: @albricias123

Claudia Sloan –

Mexican American artist, author, and illustrator known for her whimsical children’s books like Grey Ghost Mischief and We Are The Valley!.

Claudia’s work celebrates Latinx culture and wellness.

Website: claudia-sloan.com

Instagram: @claudia.sloan

Silvia López –

Cuban American author and former children’s librarian. Silvia’s books, including Uno Más, One More: A Latino Retelling of an Old Scottish Ballad, and Queen of Tejano Music: Selena, highlight cultural heritage and diversity.

Website: silvialopezbooks.comInstagram: @silvialopezbooks

Facebook: Silvia.Lopez.Writes

About Bilingual Book Buddies:

Bilingual Book Buddies is a podcast dedicated to celebrating bilingual children’s literature. Each episode features conversations with authors, illustrators, and many others involved in bringing bilingual books to life.

Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes!